Are you an independent artist looking to take your music career to the next level? Join us at Jazzahead for our must-attend panel discussion, “Booking Gigs & Building Your Music Career: Insights from Promoters, Agents, and Industry Experts” on Friday, April 25th from 15:30 to 17:00 in the Business Lounge, Hall 7.
Why This Panel Matters for Independent Artists
In today’s music landscape, DIY artists face unique challenges when booking tours and building sustainable careers. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your reach, understanding how industry gatekeepers think is invaluable. Our expert panel brings together key figures from across the European jazz and creative music ecosystem who will share their insider knowledge on what works—and what doesn’t—when approaching venues and festivals.
Meet Our Distinguished Panelists
Katherine McVicker (Moderator)
Founder & Director, Music Works International
Katherine McVicker is the visionary founder of Music Works International, a boutique agency representing world-class touring artists in jazz, world, and beyond. With over 30 years of experience in artist management and booking, Katherine has built an impressive reputation for developing sustainable touring careers for musicians across international markets. Her recent book, “Anyone Can Book a Gig,” has become an essential resource for independent artists navigating the music business. Katherine’s deep understanding of both the artistic and business sides of music makes her the perfect moderator for this discussion.
Connect with Katherine on LinkedIn
Frank van Berkel
Head of Programming, Bimhuis
As the programming director of Bimhuis, one of Europe’s most prestigious jazz venues, Frank van Berkel has his finger on the pulse of contemporary creative music. Located in Amsterdam, Bimhuis presents over 300 concerts annually and has been a crucial platform for both established and emerging artists since 1974. Frank’s programming philosophy emphasizes artistic innovation while maintaining a connection to jazz traditions. His insights into what venue programmers look for when booking artists are invaluable for musicians seeking to perform at top-tier international stages.
Connect with Frank on LinkedIn
Rainer Kern
Artistic & Festival Director, Enjoy Jazz – Festival for Jazz and More
Rainer Kern has transformed Enjoy Jazz into one of Europe’s most respected jazz festivals. Taking place annually in the metropolitan Rhine-Neckar region of Germany, the festival spans six weeks and showcases over 80 concerts across multiple venues. Rainer’s innovative programming approach has created unique opportunities for artists to present their work in thoughtfully curated contexts. His expertise in festival programming and artist selection offers crucial perspectives for musicians looking to access the international festival circuit.
Connect with Rainer on LinkedIn
Lydia Liebman
Founder & President, Lydia Liebman Promotions
As the founder of Lydia Liebman Promotions, Lydia has established herself as one of the music industry’s leading publicists for jazz and creative music. Her agency has represented hundreds of artists, labels, and festivals, helping them gain visibility in an increasingly crowded marketplace. Lydia’s expertise in media relations, digital strategy, and artist narrative development has helped numerous independent musicians increase their profile and booking opportunities. Her insights into how effective promotion connects to touring success are essential for any self-managed artist.
Connect with Lydia on LinkedIn
Dave Stapleton
Founder & Owner, Edition Records | Musician and Producer
Dave Stapleton brings a unique dual perspective as both a musician and the founder of Edition Records, one of Europe’s most respected independent jazz labels. Since launching Edition in 2008, Dave has developed an internationally acclaimed roster while navigating the dramatic changes in the recording industry. His experience as a pianist and composer gives him firsthand understanding of the challenges facing today’s artists, while his label perspective offers insights into how recordings connect to broader career development and touring opportunities.
Giambattista Tofoni
General Manager, Europe Jazz Network
As General Manager of the Europe Jazz Network (EJN), Giambattista Tofoni represents a coalition of over 160 organizations including festivals, clubs, concert venues, and national organizations across 34 European countries. Under his leadership, EJN has become a crucial platform for international collaboration and artist mobility. Giambattista’s expansive view of the European jazz ecosystem and his knowledge of funding opportunities, cross-border collaboration, and audience development strategies make him an invaluable resource for artists seeking to build sustainable European touring careers.
Connect with Giambattista on LinkedIn
What You’ll Learn
The 90-minute session will cover crucial topics for independent musicians:
- Effective Promoter Approaches: Learn how to craft pitches that stand out among hundreds received by venues and festivals
- DIY vs. Professional Booking: Understand when to handle bookings yourself and when to seek representation
- Building Relationships: Discover networking strategies that lead to long-term touring opportunities
- Digital Presence: Tips for creating promotional materials that actually get noticed
- Career Sustainability: Practical advice for developing a viable touring model as an independent artist
Who Should Attend
This panel is ideal for:
- Independent and DIY musicians looking to book more shows
- Emerging artists seeking to understand the booking landscape
- Established musicians wanting to expand their touring territories
- Self-managed artists handling their own booking and promotion
- Music students preparing to enter the professional world
The Changing Landscape for Independent Artists
With the music industry constantly evolving, independent artists now have more opportunities than ever to create sustainable careers without major label support. However, navigating this complex ecosystem requires strategy, persistence, and insider knowledge.
“Understanding how to effectively communicate your unique artistic vision to the right people at the right time can make all the difference,” says Katherine McVicker, who’ll be moderating the panel. “We’ve assembled professionals who make booking decisions daily to share what they’re actually looking for when considering artists.”
Join Us at Jazzahead
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights that could transform your approach to booking gigs and building your music career. The panel takes place on Friday, April 25th from 15:30 to 17:00 in the Business Lounge, Hall 7 at Jazzahead.
